Weekly Livestock-Equine News: January 6, 2025

2024 saw a decrease in dairy cattle slaughter

Dairy cattle slaughter in 2024 was significantly below that of the year before. Slaughter for the month of November was the lowest since 2009. This is why the tight heifer supply has not had the impact that had been anticipated. Cow numbers began slowly increasing and finally moving above the previous year in October.

Poultry processors to pay $180M in wage-fixing class action

Nine of the nation’s largest poultry processors, including Tyson Foods, have agreed to pay settlements in an antitrust lawsuit alleging that they conspired to depress workers’ wages. The processors include Tyson Foods and Keystone Foods, which settled for a combined $115.5 million; Koch Foods ($18.5 million), Foster Poultry Farms ($13.3 million) and Butterball LLC ($8.5 million.)

APHIS proposes rule for US Swine Health Improvement Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting public comments on a proposal to build upon a pilot program and establish its U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) as a national voluntary program modeled after its National Poultry Improvement Plan. Under the proposal, participating sites would be able to obtain certifications of disease-monitored status for African swine fever and classical swine fever.

Horse racing may be set for a resurgence

Despite decades of declining interest, industry insiders believe horse racing could be poised for a resurgence, fueled by new investor interest, innovations in the sport and a boom in legalized online sports gambling. In 2022, $12 billion was wagered on horse races, marking a new record. The total purse money awarded that year also set a new record, at $1.25 billion.

Hog producers had a good 2024, but face a potential trade war

The year 2024 saw strong pork demand and falling feed costs, resulting in improved margins for producers – a welcome change from what the sector had experienced the previous two years. But the incoming Trump administration has caused consternation, as history indicates that pork producers could be at the tip of the spear of retaliatory tariffs.

APHIS proposes updated bird flu indemnity program

The USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed requiring farmers to undergo a biosecurity audit before restocking their poultry after an HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) detection and before receiving future indemnity payments. APHIS will accept public comments on the proposal submitted on or before March 3, 2025.